talk down to

talk down to (one)

To speak in an insultingly condescending manner to one; to speak to one as if they are less mature, intelligent, or capable than they really are. I try not to talk down to my kids when they ask me a serious question. I hate the way my boss talks down to me whenever I ask him to explain something.

See also: down, talk

talk down to someone

to speak to someone in a patronizing manner; to speak to someone in the simplest way. The manager insulted everyone in the office by talking down to them. Please don't talk down to me. I can understand anything you have to say.

See also: down, talk

talk down to

Also, speak down to. Address someone with insulting condescension, patronize, as in Just because she's editor-in-chief doesn't give her the right to talk down to her staff , or Children hate teachers who speak down to them.

See also: down, talk